Written Answers Nos. 1144-1168
1144. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if she will review the case of a person (details supplied); if the cross-border directive repayment for this individual can be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72505/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1145. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the position regarding Report 42 by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration regarding HSE staff and subsequent decisions of the Labour Court; her plans regarding outstanding commitments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72522/25]
View answerFollowing the Labour Court recommendation of 2nd October 2025 the Department of Health is liaising with the HSE to ensure the retrospective payments on Report 42 from 5 July 2021 to 31 May 2024 are paid without delay.
1146. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if she will provide details on the way in which each RHO is resourced in terms of meeting the needs of the regional patient base with gastroenterology problems, particularly Crohn's disease, colitis, and irritable bowel disease, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72559/25]
View answerAs this is a service/operational matter this would be better placed for the HSE.
1147. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the key measures taken to improve cancer care during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72565/25]
View answerFunding of €27.4 billion has been allocated to the health service for 2026, an increase of 6.2%. Next year, a new approach is being taken to funding allocation with health budgets being devolved to the HSE regions, giving them greater autonomy to meet local needs while holding them accountable for ambitious targets and national standards.
The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) will continue to lead on service design nationally and the implementation of the National Cancer Strategy. The NCCP also monitors performance and works closely with the regions to ensure the delivery of safe, effective cancer services.
I am continuing to work towards the delivery of multi-annual budgets in health over the coming years. Capital investment already operates multi-annually and it is a priority for me to introduce this across all areas of the budget.
Since its launch in July 2017, the Government has allocated €105 million to the National Cancer Strategy to support cancer services and improve outcomes for patients. Since then, very significant progress has been made in improving cancer services. There are now over 220,000 people living with or beyond cancer, 50% more than a decade ago.
One in two people are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. We are seeing tremendous advances in cancer care and I am committed to ensuring that patients can take advantage of these developments. Work will begin shortly on an evaluation of the Cancer Strategy which will inform the development of a new strategy next year.
1148. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the key measures taken to improve screening services during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72566/25]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1149. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the key measures taken to improve pharmacy services during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72567/25]
View answerIn 2025, measures to improve pharmacy services included the introduction of the Hormone Replacement Therapy Arrangement, which commenced on 1 June 2025, and the enabling of the introduction of a Common Conditions Service (CCS), which will enable pharmacists to provide treatment for eight specified common conditions. Further information on the CCS can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/press-releases/minister-for-health-signs-legislation-that-will-enable-pharmacists-to-prescribe-for-certain-common-conditions-for-the-first-time/
The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 was agreed between the Department of Health (DoH), the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) on 12 September 2025, and published on 18 September 2025. It sets out a comprehensive and ongoing pathway to modernise and expand the role of community pharmacy in Ireland’s healthcare system. The Agreement is designed to support the delivery of safe, equitable, and efficient healthcare, and to ensure that community pharmacists are better equipped to contribute to national health priorities through structured engagement, sustainable funding, and integrated service delivery. The Agreement will be implemented on a phased basis and will be supported by regular structured engagements between the Department, HSE and the IPU. The continuation of a high-level, enduring strategic relationship is designed to support the shaping and implementation of pharmacy’s role in a more integrated, efficient, and patient-centred health system. Under the Agreement, a Strategic Collaboration Group will be established which will provide a structured forum for dialogue and joint consideration of strategic issues shaping the future of community pharmacy in Ireland.The full text of the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/community-pharmacy-agreement-2025/
1150. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the key measures taken to improve social care services during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72568/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his clarification of the wording of this question, "To ask the Minister for Health the key measures taken to improve homelessness services and addiction services during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter."
In 2025, €56m in funding was allocated to the HSE to provide targeted health and social care services for people who are homeless – this will increase in 2026, with at least an extra €3.53m being allocated to the HSE for homeless health services in the coming year.
As the Deputy is aware, people who are homelessness are likely to experience severe health inequalities. They experience a high prevalence of physical disease, mental illness, and substance use. There are also more likely to die prematurely. Homelessness undermines the effectiveness of health care services by creating additional barriers for people in accessing treatment in a timely and integrated manner. For all these reasons, increased provision of health services to people who are homeless is a priority for me and for the Dept of Health and a number of measures are ongoing in this regard.
The success of the integrated assertive case management teams (PACT teams) in Dublin, with almost 6,000 cases receiving case management since the inception of the service in September 2022, will be further built on in 2026. Funding has been approved for an expansion of the service in Dublin and establishment of the service outside of the Dublin area, thereby ensuring consistent and equitable access to integrated care and case management across the health regions.
In July 2025, the Dept of Health and the HSE agreed to further increase in the capacity of the Community Care and Treatment Facility at Usher’s Island from 51 to 63 beds. This brings to €8.5m the combined Dept of Health and HSE investment in the facility to-date and is the largest investment by the Dept in healthcare services for people who are homeless.
A key strategic priority of the National Drugs Strategy is to enhance access to, and delivery of, drugs services in the community. Demand for and access to services has increased during the period of the current national drugs strategy.
The Department of Health allocated over €176 million under the National Drug Strategy in 2024 for the provision of addiction services. As part of Budget 2026, I announced an additional €11 million in recurring funding for drugs and inclusion health services to progress priority measures. This includes €4 million for service enhancement measures and will address regional disparities in availability of drug and inclusion health services, with a strong focus on the provision of services in disadvantaged and rural areas.
Data published in the 2024 National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) by the Health Research Board (HRB) shows that there was a record figure of 13,295 cases treated for problem drug use in 2024. This continues the upward trend in treatment cases and demonstrates the impact of the National Drugs Strategy in enhancing access to drug services, with an increase of 50% in cases since the strategy began in 2017.
The additional funding provide for drug and inclusion health services in Budget 2026 demonstrate my strong commitment as Minister to meeting the health needs of people who are homeless and those who use drugs or who use alcohol in a harmful way.
1151. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the key measures taken to support and improve GP services during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72569/25]
View answerAs per the Programme for Government, the Government is committed to increasing the number of GPs practicing across in the State, thereby improving access to GP services for all patients. Increasing our GP workforce, primarily through a combination of international recruitment and increased training places, is among the priorities in this regard for this year and next year. Annual investment provided for general practice has been increased by over €340 million under the 2019 and 2023 GP Agreements. The agreements provide for increased GP capitation fees, increased and new supports for practices, as well as new fees for additional services. The 2023 Agreement also provided for the expansion of GP visit card eligibility to all children under 8 years of age and to all those who earn up to median household income.
The implementation of both Agreements continues, increasing the attractiveness of working in general practice in Ireland. As per the 2023 Agreement, a new locum support initiative commenced in May this year which provides GPs in receipt of rural practice supports with access to a streamlined locum sourcing service. The annual intake of doctors into the GP training programme has been increased by approximately 80% from 2019 to 2024, with 350 new entrant training places made available in 2024 and again in 2025. The number of new entrant training places is to increase again next year by 50 places to 400. As a result, the number of GP graduates has increased in recent years and will continue to increase in the coming years. Having commenced in 2023, recruitment of GPs from abroad is ongoing under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme.
Significant funding was provided for this year to allow for continued and increased recruitment under the programme. As of end of Q3, there are 115 IMG GPs within the programme currently placed in general practice and a further 39 have completed the 2-year programme. The placement of IMG GPs is targeted to rural and underserved areas. Further potential measures to support GP practices are being considered under the Strategic Review of General Practice. With input from key stakeholders, the review is examining the broad range of issues affecting general practice. Following its completion, a final report will be presented to me outlining the findings of the review and setting out recommended actions for a more sustainable general practice.
1152. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the arrangements that are in place to ensure every GP in Ireland is trained in the latest understanding and teachings on Menopause; the number of GPs licensed to practice in Ireland, by county; and the number of GPs who have completed menopause training in the past 12 months, by county, in tabular form. [72572/25]
View answerThe Women’s Health Action Plans 2022-2023 and 2024-2025, together with significant Government investment, have resulted in important improvements to women’s health services in Ireland. The work of the Women’s Health Taskforce and the implementation of these Action Plans have also increased awareness of many women’s health issues, both among the public and amongst healthcare professionals. Much work has been done to support women through their menopause journeys we have progressed various initiatives to enhance holistic and clinician supports available to women at both primary and acute levels. These include:
• A GP Clinical Lead for Women’s Health established 2021, to lead on the improvement of women’s health supports in the community.
• The development of a menopause theory course for GPs and GP trainees via the Irish College of General Practitioners.
• The development of a Quick Reference Guide on Menopause for GPs in 2022. The guide comprises of evidence-based information on the management of perimenopause and menopause in general practice by GPs and practice nurses.
• The launch, also in 2022, of a National Menopause Awareness campaign. This was a direct response to the demand from Irish women for greater knowledge and understanding of menopause as well as better access to accurate information and supports. A second phase of the campaign was relaunched in 2023 as part of the Department of Health’s Women’s Health Week.
• The launch of a dedicated webpage to provide trusted information for anyone affected by menopause in Ireland – gov.ie/menopause
• Six dedicated Specialist Menopause Clinics are open and operational for women who require complex, specialist care. Additional funding was provided under Phase 2 of the Women’s Health Action Plan to extend the provision of services in 4 of the Specialist Menopause Clinics.
• Since 1 June 2025, Hormone Replace Therapy for the management of the symptoms of menopause is now free, lowering the cost burden of menopause for women in Ireland. As the ICGP is body responsible for GP training and GP continual professional development, the Department of Health does not maintain a register of the number of GPs who have completed menopause training. As information on the number of GPs practising medicine by county is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy in relation to that as soon as possible.
1153. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the financial supports available to students from Gaza who are accepted into programmes in Irish universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71333/25]
View answerThe Irish Palestine Scholarship Programme (IPSP) is part of the Ireland Fellows global scholarship programme run by the Government of Ireland providing opportunities for candidates to choose from a wide variety of courses at 19 higher education institutions in Ireland. The Ireland Fellows Programme, which is delivered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is a longstanding international development initiative grounded in the belief that education is central to creating a better world and fostering long-term sustainable change. The programmes leverages Ireland's world-class higher education institutions to empower individuals from eligible developing countries, enabling them to acquire advanced skills and knowledge that they can apply upon returning home
Further details of the IPSP including the operation of the application and selection process, the number of available places and the supports available to successful applicants can be found at: www.ireland.ie/en/ramallah/about/ireland-palestine-scholarship-programme/#about
1154. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason students are only eligible for the Christmas bonus if they are receiving VTOS or Youthreach training allowance for at least 12 months, or if they were receiving a qualified payment immediately before their training, considering not all VTOS or Youthreach students apply for another qualifying payment for the months they are not in education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71364/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to breaking down cost barriers, making Further Education and Training (FET) more accessible than ever before. To date in 2025, my Department has spent over €57 million on training allowances to support the engagement and success of eligible learners who face financial barriers in FET. This figure excludes apprenticeship state allowances and allowances paid to learners in Specialist Training Providers.
SOLAS's FET Learner Allowances Policy sets out that the eligibility criteria for the Christmas Bonus is determined by the Department of Social Protection (DSP). The bonus is payable to long-term social welfare recipients and certain training allowance recipients who meet the qualifying conditions set out by that Department. Where a learner was in receipt of a qualifying DSP payment immediately before commencing their FET course, the time spent on that payment can be combined with the time on the training allowance to meet the 12-month requirement.
In the case of VTOS participants, most learners have been in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment prior to joining the programme and retain an underlying entitlement when they transfer to a VTOS training allowance. As a result, they are more likely to meet the eligibility criteria for the Christmas Bonus, provided they have been on a qualifying payment or training allowance for at least 12 months.
Youthreach learners, on the other hand, are generally aged between 16 and 18 and do not have an underlying social welfare entitlement. Consequently, they are unlikely to qualify for the Christmas Bonus. For those who join Youthreach at age 18, eligibility requires that they have an underlying social welfare entitlement and meet the qualifying conditions set by the DSP.
1155. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to consider aligning the Youthreach calendar year with the second level calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71365/25]
View answerBy way of background for the Deputy, Youthreach provides a two-year education and training pathway for young people who have left mainstream education with limited qualifications. The programme supports learners in gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence to progress to further education, training, or employment. Certification is typically achieved at Levels 3 and 4 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
In 2023, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) requested that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) recommence conciliation on a previously submitted claim that sought alignment of the 225-day Youthreach calendar with that of the post-primary school calendar. My Department has been engaging with the TUI on this and agreed on a structured approach to consider the proposal. As part of this process, officials have undertaken a comprehensive data collection exercise, consulted with key stakeholders, and analysed the data gathered. Officials are currently finalising a paper, which I expect to receive for consideration in the coming weeks. Given the significance of the proposed changes to the delivery of this important national programme, I am sure the Deputy will agree that, in considering TUI’s proposal, a thorough and evidence-informed process is essential.
1156. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if information will be provided on the results of the Standardisation of Youthreach Calendar Year Sectoral Survey of ETBs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71366/25]
View answerI can confirm that my Department did not issue the Standardisation of Youthreach Calendar Year Sectoral Survey. This survey was conducted by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) to inform a submission to my Department’s work to consider the Teachers’ Union of Ireland claim seeking alignment of the Youthreach academic calendar year with that of the post-primary school academic year. If the Deputy requires further information on the survey or its results, I would advise contacting ETBI directly.
1157. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of apprentices undertaking courses at a centre (details supplied); the type of apprenticeships offered; the number of applicants for each course in each of the past four years; the number of full time clerical staff involved in the administration of the courses and their qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71422/25]
View answerAt present, Tipperary FET College Carrick-on-Suir provides training for the Electrical programme at Phase 2. Apprenticeship provision began at the centre in September 2024. As such, it is only possible to provide data commencing from that date. As of 10 December, 70 electrical apprentices have already gone through training at Tipperary FET College Carrick-on-Suir, and an additional 28 apprentices are currently undertaking training there.
In compliance with GDPR legislation, it is not possible to provide detailed information regarding the specific qualifications held by individuals. Programme training is provided by three Electrical instructors, each with a minimum of a Level 6 National Craft Certificate and a minimum of five years' experience. The centre employs two clerical staff - one full-time and one part-time - who are responsible for the administration of all FET provision within the centre.
1158. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the TrustEd assessments of language schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71477/25]
View answer1159. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of approved English language schools in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71478/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1158 and 1159 together.
I propose to take questions 71477 and 71478 together.The provision of English language education in Ireland is a broad and diverse sector with the vast majority of activity undertaken by privately owned education providers. While my Department does not collate data on English language schools, it is estimated that there are approximately over 100 English language schools currently operating in Ireland. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), an agency under the remit of my Department, is currently introducing TrustEd Ireland – a new international education quality mark. TrustEd Ireland is a key pillar of the Government’s policy for international education, as set out in Global Citizens 2030: Ireland’s International Talent and Innovation Strategy to 2030. The TrustEd Ireland Mark will be awarded by QQI to higher education and English language education providers who have demonstrated that they meet new national standards to ensure a quality experience for international learners.
The new TrustEd Ireland scheme will establish, for the first time, a formal quality assurance process for the English language education sector in Ireland and will provide QQI with statutory powers to regulate this sector. QQI's first application cycle for providers seeking to obtain the TrustEd Ireland Mark opened on 14th October 2024 and closed on 28th March 2025. A total of 47 applications (30 higher education providers and 17 English language education providers) were received, and the assessment process is nearing completion. The second application cycle opened on 13th October 2025 and will run until 27th March 2026. A total of 56 providers expressed an interest in applying via the English language education pathway, with 8 providers indicating their intention to apply via the higher education pathway. The second cohort of successful providers will be authorised to use the Mark in 2027.
1160. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the position regarding any engagement that he has had with the English language school sector in relation to proposed changes to stamp 2 Visa regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71479/25]
View answerThis question is more appropriate to the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. My officials have been in contact with that Department and they would respond to you directly should you wish to contact them.
1161. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the courses in English as a second language currently available for EU and non-EU citizens resident in Ireland; the number of adults who have availed of such courses over the past five years before being granted right to remain; and the number of adults who have availed of such courses over the past five years before achieving Irish citizenship. [71528/25]
View answerIn the Further Education and Training (FET) sector, all 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) offer free English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes, as part of their Adult Literacy provision, to meet the day-to-day social, cultural and work-related language needs of new community members. Priority is given to unemployed migrants, International Protection Applicants (IPAs) and refugees with limited or no English language skills. The goal is to help them achieve functional language proficiency, fostering social cohesion and creating pathways to education, training, pre-vocational opportunities, and work.
ESOL provision is available at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Courses be unaccredited or accredited at levels 1 to 6 of the National Framework for Qualifications or through other systems such as Cambridge English Qualifications.
SOLAS has advised my officials that provisional figures from its Programme Learner Support System (PLSS) reports that from January until end of November 2025, ETBs have provided 4,572 ESOL courses.
It is important to note that PLSS does not collect data on the numbers availing of such courses before being granted leave to remain. However, SOLAS has provided provisional PLSS figures relating to the enrolment of IPAs in ESOL since 2022 in the table below.
|
Unique Learner Enrolments in ESOL |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
End of November 2025 |
|
IPAs |
1,522 |
3,211 |
4,555 |
3,949 |
Comparable data for 2020 and 2021 is not available.
PLSS does not gather data from learners relating to Irish citizenship. However, the following provisional PLSS figures may be of interest to the Deputy.
|
Unique Learner Enrolments in ESOL |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
End of November 2025 |
|
Non-nationals |
7,949 |
16,619 |
38,693 |
36,913 |
28,042 |
Comparable data for 2020 is not available. Not all learners provide information about their nationality.
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in early 2022, the FET sector mobilised rapidly to support Ukrainian refugees, particularly through the significant scaling up of ESOL courses. This impact is clearly demonstrated in the figures presented in the table above.
1162. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the measures being introduced to improve pay and conditions for teachers of English as a second language to adult immigrants. [71531/25]
View answerI would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work carried out by tutors delivering English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programmes in the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) since 2022 in response to the significant demand arising from the arrival of people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Their efforts have been critical in supporting integration and access to education for those affected.
ETBs employ staff to deliver ESOL programmes under the terms and conditions of tutors or the new Adult Educator grade. It is important to note that there is no separate grade of “teacher of English” within the Further Education and Training sector.Substantial work has been undertaken over a number of years by my Department, the Department of Education and Youth, the Department of Public Expenditure, Education and Training Boards Ireland, SIPTU and TUI to improve pay and conditions for these tutors. In March 2024, agreement was reached between all parties to establish a new Adult Educator grade. This grade provides a standardised pay scale aligned to the Youthreach Resource Person grade, offering incremental progression, including those delivering ESOL programmes. Existing tutors may opt to convert to the new grade or remain on the hourly tutor rate.
ETBs are currently overseeing the implementation process for the new grade. My Department is continuing to monitor progress to ensure full implementation of these measures.
1163. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to introduce legislation establishing a permanent cohort of English as a second language teachers in order to better provide for the needs of adult immigrants lacking a fluency in English; and to ensure that such teachers are given a contract that allows for teaching to be done in the evening, as well as during the day and during the summer holidays (details supplied). [71534/25]
View answerI would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the exceptional work carried out by tutors delivering English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programmes in the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) since 2022 in response to the significant demand arising from the arrival of people displaced by the war in Ukraine. Their efforts have been critical in supporting integration and access to education for those affected.
It is my view that legislation is not required to create teachers for a specific subject within the Further Education and Training (FET) sector. ESOL provision is already delivered by staff employed under existing grades and terms, including tutors and the newly established Adult Educator grade which enables the service to be delivered in accordance with the needs of the learners, including summer and evening provision. This ensures an agile FET system with an ability to be responsive to dynamic local education, training and community needs. Such staff, and their contracts and hours, are managed within the parameters of employment law including the Fixed Term Workers Act 2003.
It should also be noted that individual ETBs are the employers and, as such, are responsible for staffing matters with Ministerial consents and approvals as may be determined from time to time.
1164. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his attention has been drawn to recurrent governance issues in the UCD school of medicine, including an ongoing failure by the school to engage with students and the students' union; and the steps he proposes to take to address these issues. [71612/25]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question. Neither I nor my officials in the Department and HEA are currently aware of any governance issues which may be referred to in the question. My officials have made contact to the Deputy's office to provide additional clarifications and additional information to assist and if the deputy was in a position to provide this, I would be happy to provide a direct response.
1165. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made over the past 12 months on each of his Department's programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71629/25]
View answer1176. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made over the past 12 months on each of his Department’s programme for Government commitments, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72202/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1165 and 1176 together.
My officials are preparing the information sought by the Deputy, in relation to the progress made over the past 12 months on each of my Department’s Programme for Government commitments in tabular form. I will arrange to have the material forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
1166. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the removal of the colour vision test for apprentice plumbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71647/25]
View answerCurrently, 14 apprenticeship programmes require candidates to pass the Ishihara colour vision test, a standard diagnostic test for colour vision deficiency (CVD), before starting training. This has been the case throughout the lifetime of the standards-based apprenticeship approach, which was introduced in the 1990s. There is currently no exemption from this requirement, as all apprenticeships are national programmes, delivered and administered to a common national standard.
The following are the affected apprenticeship programmes:
• Painting and Decorating
• Plumbing
• Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting
• Aircraft Mechanic
• Electrical
• Electrical Instrumentation
• Electronic Security Systems
• Instrumentation
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Agricultural Mechanics
• Motor Mechanics
• Construction Plant Fitting
• Heavy Vehicle Mechanics
• Vehicle Body Repairs.
SOLAS commissioned an independent report to consider this issue, which has now been completed. Following consideration of this report and its recommendations, SOLAS has advised my Department that it will revise the requirements for colour vision testing in early 2026, and that details of this change will be communicated clearly to employers and other key stakeholders before the end of the year.
1167. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the WTE staff, by job title currently working in the National Apprenticeship Office. [71704/25]
View answerSOLAS is the State agency with responsibility for further education and training. The Department sets the overall staffing numbers for SOLAS, which includes the National Apprenticeship Office. It is then the responsibility of SOLAS to manage and allocate these resources effectively.
The approved staffing numbers for SOLAS in 2026 is 276 Full Time Equivalent (FTE), an increase from 261 FTE in 2025.
1168. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will reconsider and reintroduce the 33% reduction on contributory fees for apprentices which was reduced to 17% in the recent budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71831/25]
View answerI am conscious of financial challenges facing learners and the need for the progressive implementation of measures to address costs as a barrier to attending tertiary education. It is a priority for me to explore the most effective and sustainable ways to support learners in managing these costs.
As part of Budget 2026, I announced a permanent reduction in the Student Contribution charge. This flat rate reduction has reduced the rate from €3,000 to €2,500 for undergraduate students eligible for the free fees initiative and, applied on a pro rata basis, has lowered the student contribution by 17% for apprentices attending Higher Education. This will benefit approximately 14,000 apprentices in the 2025/26 academic year.
As part of Budget 2026, it was important for me to make permanent, sustainable interventions which would give families and learners certainty. With this permanent measure I have done that. This is the first time the student contribution has been permanently reduced.
Looking ahead to future Budget decisions, I will continue to consider all options available to me to reduce the cost of education for apprentices, students and their families.
